Downton Distillery

The distillery was founded in the village in one of the former homes (Parsonage Manor) of Sir Walter Raleigh. In 2021 they relocated to Wick Down. There, they are in the process of rewilding juniper back onto the downs, whilst growing their own botanicals in the distillery garden. The garden provides herbs and supports an abundance of wildlife. The salvias and bergamots host a kaleidoscope of butterflies and hawk moths during the summer before they migrate back to warmer climates in the Autumn.

The business has an active sustainability programme - it sells refill packs for spirits which can be sent back free of charge or customers can refill empty bottles at one of the refill points. These are located at Downton Brewery, Dark Revolution (Old Sarum) and Regent Tailoring in Salisbury.

The distillery has recently launched Great Bustard Gin, in partnership with the Great Bustard conservation charity. The gin is distilled using 12 botanicals, including wild rocket, alfalfa (lucerne), red clover and yarrow, all found on the Wiltshire Downs and Salisbury Plain - and part of the diet of this critically endangered species. £10 from each sale goes to the charity and to date £1900 has been raised.

The company has a variety of partners, including the Antarctic Fire angels who were the first rescue team to reach Antarctica taking 52 days to cover their 1,200km trek. They have been interviewed by the BBC and were on the morning show with Loraine Kelly.

To book a tour of the distillery, details can be found at downtondistillery.com under ‘events’.